I. Course Description: This course is a survey of classical British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Twentieth Century. Students will engage in critical listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities designed to integrate the strands of the language arts and further develop thinking and problem-solving abilities. This course fulfills the requirements needed for post-secondary education including college preparation. II. III. Course Objectives: Classroom Expectations: *Students should become proficient in the following areas of grammar: capitalization, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, noun and verb forms, pronoun-antecedent agreement, avoidance of common grammar errors, placement of modifiers, pronoun case, parallelism, and the correct use of phrases and clauses. *Students should become knowledgeable in the area of British Literature through the reading and study of a multitude of literary pieces listed throughout the syllabus. *Students should develop strong writing/communication skills which include, but are not limited to: writing well-developed sentences/paragraphs, writing a research paper that demonstrates sophistication in writing ability, and proficiency in the use of MLA format, writing various types of on demand essays throughout the semester, and participating in formal/informal presentations. * Deadlines must be met to insure quality work in this course. *Students will work closely with their peers to develop appropriate speaking and writing skills. *Students must work well independently and manage their time wisely. 1. Be respectful, polite, and courteous. 2. Be prepared (bring all required materials to class). 3. Be on time and in your seat when the bell rings. 4. Stay in your appropriate seat throughout the period unless given permission to move about the room. The bell does not dismiss you. The teacher does. 5. Follow all classroom and school policies and procedures. Unacceptable behavior can be categorized as disruption, disrespect, and defiance. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. The following are consequences for unacceptable behavior: 1 st offense Verbal/written warning 2 nd offense Conference/parent contact/detention 3 rd offense Administrator contact Any major offense can be sent directly to an administrator. Accommodations: Requests for accommodations for this course or any school event are welcomed from students and parents. Concerning laptop utilization: 1. Student laptops should not be hard wired to the network or have print capabilities. 2. Use of discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will not be allowed on Madison City computers. 3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops. 4. Laptops and other electronic devices will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher. Page 1
IV. Grading Policy: Test grades will account for 70% of the 9-weeks grade, with the remaining 30% being determined by quiz/daily grades. The grading scale is as follows: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (65-69), and F (below 65). Grades will be a reflection of mastery of the standards. Make sure all absences are excused as class work can be made up and graded for excused absences only. The Final Exam counts for 1/5 of final grade. How will you be graded in English 12? 1. Bell Work/Daily Assignments 2. Periodic reading quizzes 3. Essay and research writing 4. Novel and literary unit projects/tests 5. In accordance with the Alabama State Course of Study, in order to receive credit for this class, students are required to complete a research project. Students who do not turn in a project will be given a grade of Incomplete until the assignment is done and will not be allowed to graduate. *Cheating and plagiarism of any kind are never tolerated. The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed in this course. *Assignments that are turned in late will have points deducted. *Any student who receives failing grades during this course is urged to discuss this with me so we can devise a plan for improvement. V. Make-up Test Policy: Make-up exams will be given for excused absences only. The make-up will be administered within two weeks of the excused absence. If the make-up window is missed without prior approval, then the missing grade will automatically remain a zero. VI. VII. Text and Other Required Reading: Materials and Supplies Needed: Windows and Mirrors: Connecting with Literature (British Tradition) and three novel selections from the following: Hamlet, And Then There Were None, A Raisin in the Sun and possibly additional novels to be announced at a later date. 1. Textbook 2. Assigned novels (See required literature listed above. Students may want to purchase these novels) 3. Binder with loose-leaf paper and dividers 4. Pencils, pens, highlighters, and markers 5. Student handbook Page 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 WEEK PLAN* The Anglo-Saxons (449-1066) Beowulf, the English language: Old English, Grammar, writing workshops, vocabulary The Anglo-Saxons (449-1066) Summer Reading Test, Beowulf, the English language: Old English, Grammar, writing workshops, vocabulary The Middle Ages (1066-1485) The Canterbury Tales, ballads, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Death of Arthur, and the English language: Middle English, The Middle Ages (1066-1485) Second Summer Reading Choice Novel project, The Canterbury Tales, ballads, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Death of Arthur, and the English language: Middle English, research paper, research paper, research paper The Restoration and the Eighteenth Century (1660-1800) A Modest Proposal, heroic couplets, Elegy in a Country Churchyard The Restoration and the Eighteenth Century (1660-1800) A Modest Proposal, heroic couplets, Elegy in a Country Churchyard Poetry by Burns, Blake, Byron, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, and Keats; Poetry by Burns, Blake, Byron, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, and Keats; Poetry by Burns, Blake, Byron, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, and Keats; Page 3
16 17 18, paper #4 The Twentieth Century ( To Present) Agatha Christie s And Then There Were None,, project The Twentieth Century ( To Present) Agatha Christie s And Then There Were None,, project * The syllabus serves as a guide for both the teacher and student; however, during the term it may become necessary to make additions, deletions, or substitutions. Adequate notice will be provided to students of any necessary changes. Page 4
Dear Parent/Guardian, I look forward to having a great year! I feel fortunate to have your son/daughter in my class this semester and hope that you will contact me should you have any concerns about the progress of your son/daughter or any aspect of the instruction. With your son/daughter, please read the attached policies, then sign and date this signature page and have your son/daughter return this form. Please provide a current email address and phone number at which I can contact you should the need arise. Please contact me at school with any concerns. Thank you, Stefanie A. Beckett English teacher James Clemens High School My child and I have read and discussed the classroom syllabus. Student Name (Print) Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date Email address Phone number (w) (h) (c) Additional information/comments: Page 5